Welcome to the STAMPlorations™ blog! We host monthly challenges (theme and sketch; mixed media; CAS; TAGplorations). We have a never-ending challenge exclusive to those who own STAMPlorations products, and CUTplorations for those who love to use dies. We spotlight projects by the design team, regularly publish tutorials, host fun blog hops, and announce new products. Our goal: encourage you to "stamp with all your ART!" through our challenges, inspiration projects, events, and products.

Hop along in our special stamp release mini hop! AND COFFEE is the latest 4x8 coffee-themed set from The Bee's Knees and you could win it for yourself by simply leaving a comment! Click here(ends 12/11)

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Friday, September 02, 2016

{Mixed Media Tutorial} Charmed ATCs by Amy

Start with a sheet of Watercolor paper and mist it with water. Dab some Distress Stain of your choice onto your craft mat and swirl your watercolor paper around in it. Dry between colors so you don't "muddy up" your colors.

I used Wild Honey, Faded Jeans, Fired Brick and Dusty Concord Distress Stains. Continue until you are happy with the colors/design.

Glue your fussy cut watercolored images onto your ATC base and highlight with a white Paint or Gellyroll Pen. I also used the small daisy from the set and colored it in with the white Paint pen as I thought it added to the "groovy" vibe of the cards. ;o)

Here's where the CHARMED bit comes in. When thinking of how to embellish my ATCs I got to thinking or a charm or metal embellishment. Only problem was I didn't have any. So I stamped the large daisy from the set onto some Shrinky Dink Paper with black StazOn ink. I'm told Plastic Food containers also work for this step, but check out YouTube for cooking times.

Color in your images with markers, I used vibrant Sharpie Markers here. Fussy cut your flowers and use a 1/8" hole punch on the largest petal to punch a hole thru. be sure to HOLE PUNCH prior to cooking.

I pre-heated the oven to 325 F and placed my images onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper then added another sheet of parchment paper over top and placed a smaller baking sheet on top. This prevents the images from curling into themselves. Bake for 2-3 mins and let cool. Look at how cute they are next to the original stamp size. :oD

Next, I used pliers to added a ring and chain to all the flowers. I got the rings and chain at my local dollar store, so it's not an expensive embellie at all... plus the possibilities and sizes are endless depending on your project needs!

Looks groovy and I love your vibrant colours! I can't wait to try it as your step by step photo guide makes it look feasible for a beginner like me. Thanks so much for taking the time to show your method.

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